Local leader recognized for service to victims of violence
By Kristen Carver News-Press Now Oct 25, 2018
Every year, the local YWCA awards a community member for outstanding service to victims of violence.
This year, Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Dwight K. Scroggins received the Mary Jolly Memorial Award.
The list of Scroggins’ work with domestic violence victims goes on, but he is known for his efforts in the statewide victims’ rights movement and helping create the first victim bill of rights for Missouri, known as the Victims of Crime Act.
“Dwight has always been at the forefront of victims’ rights in the community and in the state,” said Kim Kempf with YWCA.
Scroggins won’t take all the credit for his achievements that have helped victims over the years. He said he wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all he’s done if it wasn’t for the community’s help, and added the most unique thing about the St. Joseph area is the fact that everyone works together.
“Our domestic violence program, we are the best,” Scroggins said.
He said because of the community’s teamwork, the fight against domestic violence has come a long way.
Scroggins remembered when there were no constitutional rights for victims.
“They didn’t have the ability to do anything. We now have advocacy centers available to every jurisdiction in the state of Missouri,” he said. “As much as I am at the forefront of saying ‘We need to do more,’ I want everyone to understand I appreciate how far we’ve come and how well we’ve done.”
The award is in memory of Mary Jolly, who was a victims’ advocate within the YWCA. After her death in 2010, the YWCA dedicated the award to her.
Kristen Carver can be reached at kristen.carver@newspressnow.com or follow her on twitter at @NPNowCarver
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